"An extra, I'm an effing extra!"
Darn it, what have I done to deserve this torture from both the system and my agent?
"An extra? You mean like being a background extra?"
In fact, Old Tian had heard it earlier, but he suspected he had misheard. After all, the current Qi Hao and the concept of "extra" are miles apart.
The last time he was an extra, it was years ago. Even if it was a cameo, people would come begging them now.
"Yes, exactly this, with just one line required."
Qi Hao decided to go for it. He had a feeling this damn system wouldn't just assign one odd task like this.
There will be plenty of embarrassing things to come.
Might as well set aside personal elegance and enjoy a shameless life.
"A cameo, huh? Why suddenly want a cameo?" Old Tian racked his brains but couldn't understand why Qi Hao wanted to do a cameo.
Especially when looking for a cameo role without any intention or purpose.
Although they have signed with Ziwen, they generally operate independently.
They aren't familiar with other artists under Ziwen Media.
Even for friends, asking for just one line is kind of absurd.
Usually, people complain about too few lines; who gripes about having too many?
Insanity!
"Pretty much, that's the idea. I trust you, Old Tian, sort it out quickly!"
Qi Hao pulled his cap down over his face and closed his eyes.
Old Tian gritted his teeth but refrained from swerving the car into the greenery.
Another day, another urge to strangle this fellow!
The next day, while many star directors hadn't left yet, Old Tian actually found out about a film project currently shooting.
Old Tian's standing in the entertainment industry had risen along with Qi Hao's reputation.
If it were merely arranging a small role, there was no need for a face-to-face meeting; a few words over the phone would suffice.
However, Qi Hao's demands were too numerous.
Upon hearing that Qi Hao wanted to collaborate, Cao Baoping, who had planned to leave in the morning, decisively rescheduled his flight, bringing lead actress Zhou Xun to meet.
"Hey, Mr. Zhou!" Being one of the Four Young Masters, Qi Hao already knew Zhou Xun well.
Back in 2001, the two collaborated on the romance drama "Like Mist, Like Rain, Like Wind."
They left deep impressions on each other.
Sadly, they hadn't had a chance to work together since then.
"Haozi, you're really coming!"
Upon hearing Qi Hao wanted to join "Li Mi's Conjecture," Zhou Xun rushed over too.
She's a Golden Statue Actress, and Qi Hao is a Golden Rooster Best Actor.
Acting with these two would be thrilling.
"No, I just want a little cameo." Qi Hao helplessly glanced at Old Tian.
This useless agent really messed up again.
Old Tian couldn't help but roll his eyes; was it his fault?
If you're capable, explain it yourself.
"Currently, the male lead is Deng Zhao. Actually, if you wanted to..." Cao Baoping eyed Qi Hao intensely.
This fellow looks just like his male lead.
"Li Mi's Conjecture," the movie has Mrs. Hua's investment, and she's currently promoting Deng Zhao.
But Cao Baoping's films never lack investors, so his autonomy is high, and he can outright ignore Mrs. Hua's choices.
"No, no, no, I only want a small role, just one line is enough. I don't need a paycheck!"
Qi Hao finally understood Old Tian's difficulty.
The explanation was impossible, so he just boldly asked for it. If they gave it fine, if not, he'd find another place.
"Just a cameo, huh? I'll give you more lines and maybe arrange a standout character setting."
Cao Baoping and Zhou Xun exchanged glances, a tad disappointed.
Among the Four Young Masters, Qi Hao was the first to be recognized by mainstream awards.
Today's media and online platforms are full of information about him; everything he does attracts attention.
Cao Baoping appreciated Qi Hao's acting skills; Zhou Xun valued his popularity and skills.
Anyway, better than Deng Zhao.
"Director Cao, just one line, don't add more! In future projects, call me and I'll give my best performance!"
Others wanted him to play the lead and yet he insisted on a cameo, even actively seeking one; the system is really messed up.
Actually, Cao Baoping's projects are highly coveted within the circle. Scoring the lead wouldn't be in vain after earning the Best Actor award.
But currently, the urgency is to finish the task and avoid electrocution.
Who knows where it'll zap?
Plus, Deng Zhao was about to join the cast, making it easy to mortally offend Mrs. Hua.
Cao Baoping wasn't afraid, but Qi Hao had to be cautious.
"One line... does saying it all in one breath count as one line?" Even though Cao Baoping wasn't satisfied with Deng Zhao, there was no need to force Qi Hao.
He wasn't some sycophant!
"It does!"
Qi Hao confirmed with the system, as long as it's said in one breath, it counts as one line.
"Then I'll arrange one for you. We're filming that part these days. If you have a spot in your schedule, you can join us in Kunming. I'll treat you to mushrooms then, haha~"
Thus, Qi Hao and the agent followed them to Kunming.
Despite being low-profile, they were still recognized before the flight at the airport.
After all, the group included Qi Hao from the Four Young Masters and Zhou Xun from the Four Queens.
What's Qi Hao doing at the moment?
He just snagged the Golden Rooster Best Actor, plus he's the youngest in its history.
What's Zhou Xun doing at the moment?
Filming "Li Mi's Conjecture"!
So, can we conclude that the newly crowned Best Actor, Qi Hao, joined Zhou Xun's new film?
Online discussions exploded, and fans started eagerly anticipating the collaboration between the Best Actress and Best Actor.
Meanwhile, far off in Kunming, Deng Zhao was like ants on a hot pan.
He was already in Kunming, but Cao Baoping was outright avoiding shooting his parts, clearly expressing discontent, ready to replace him.
Now, hearing that Qi Hao was heading to Kunming with Cao Baoping and Zhou Xun...
Even with your toenails, you can guess what this means.
When Director Cao, Zhou Xun, and Qi Hao were still on the plane, the online media had already started writing their articles.
Although Deng Zhao was not selected among the top four young stars, he has actually surpassed Tong Dawei and Nie Yuan.
Now the role he has secured has been snatched by Qi Hao.
This is a heavy blow to his rising trajectory.
Deng Zhao is scratching his head in frustration.
Goddamn!
A forced melon is never sweet!
You've already won Best Actor, why do you still want to snatch away my role?
This is truly bullying.
He calls his agent to cry, then his girlfriend Sun Li, and finally Wang Chonglei.
But what can others do?
The one most likely to help him solve the issue, Wang Chonglei, is also eying Qi Hao.
In 2005, Wang Jinghua took a number of artists to Chengtian, leaving Mrs. Hua almost hollowed out, she hasn't truly recovered her vitality in these two years.
If Mrs. Hua could sign Qi Hao, this newly crowned Best Actor and popular star, he'd surely be more valuable than Deng Zhao.
Qi Hao signed a five-year contract with Ziwen Media in 2003, and now the contract is about to expire, it's uncertain where he'll land.
Anyway, all the famous entertainment companies in the circle are reaching out to him.
If Qi Hao stars in Mrs. Hua's film project, Mrs. Hua will have the home advantage.
"What?" Deng Zhao anxiously waiting in the hotel, is informed that after Director Cao landed, he took Qi Hao directly to the film set.
Done, they've stolen home!
Such impatience!
"They are probably there already." The assistant has been waiting in the hotel lobby, unexpectedly Director Cao is so eager to change him out.
"I'll call him!" Deng Zhao feels he can't just sit and wait for death.
When Deng Zhao calls, Qi Hao is just stepping out of the car, a minivan sent by the crew for airport pickup, also picking him up.
He and Zhou Xun step out one after another.
A lot of media reporters who got wind of it have arrived on site, along with some fans and curious onlookers.
Cameras clicking away at them frantically.
Director Cao's phone rings at the right moment, and he hurriedly ducks back into the car.
"Oh, Deng Zhao, I was just looking for you, hurry over! Hmm, alright, let's chat face-to-face when you arrive..."
Zhou Xun warmly greets the cameras, smiling charmingly, and being small, she's a beauty nonetheless.
While Qi Hao is cold-faced.
No choice, Old Tian crafted his persona as a cool, aloof male god.
An exceptionally aloof one.
And the fans buy it, every appearance triggers a frenzy of screams.
Zhou Xun, the veteran Best Actress, pales in comparison to him.
Media reporters swarm pressing in, microphones nearly poking into their faces.
"Qi Hao, congrats on winning the Golden Rooster Best Actor!"
"Thank you!"
Just get started, stop being so pretentious and annoying.
"I heard you're friends with Deng Zhao, why did you choose to snatch his role this time?"
"I didn't!"
I'm just here to play a minor role, having nothing to do with competing with Deng Zhao.
"Rumors say that before Sun Li was with Deng Zhao, she once had a fling with you. Is this the main reason for the breakup between you two?"
"Sorry, Sun Li and I... merely worked together."
In the entertainment circle, the rumored flings with me, if not fifty, there are forty-nine.
Tired, let it be destroyed, quickly!
"Joining the film produced by Mrs. Hua this time, does it mean after the contract with Ziwen expires, you'll join Mrs. Hua's company?"
"Sorry, not considering jumping ship for now."
Even if I jump ship, I wouldn't go to Mrs. Hua, since when things were tough I didn't go, why go now when I'm successful.
Sigh, no idea if the system tasks involve this.
Headache!
A simple interview ended, media friends' full harvest, left satisfied.
New actor Qi Hao from love to hate, Deng Zhao took away his woman, he not only grabs Deng Zhao's leading role but also joins Mrs. Hua to compete for top company star.
Previously it was Huang Xiaoming and Deng Zhao competing as two tigers, now with Qi Hao it's become Three Kingdoms.
As for what Qi Hao said during the interview.
Nobody cares.
When Deng Zhao arrives at the set, Director Cao is explaining the scene to Qi Hao.
The role Director Cao arranged for Qi Hao is that of a poet.
Important yet unimportant, its purpose is to connect Qiu Shuitian and Fang Wen.
Meanwhile, Fang Wen also jumps off the bridge like him, not only adding dramatic effect but also providing a connection before and after.
The lines are selected from Polish poet Wisława Szymborska's "View with a Grain of Sand".
"You're here!" Deng Zhao has mixed feelings.
Originally thinking this guy came to snatch the leading role, but based on the scene Director just explained, this guy actually specially came to Kunming to jump off the bridge.
Aren't you crazy?
Or is it really that you had something with my wife, using this way to please me.
"Hmm, here!" Qi Hao is silently memorizing his lines, he not only has to memorize but say them in one go.
To achieve the effect the director wants, honestly, it's not something a minor player can do.
"Deng Zhao, later drive under the bridge, we'll lower Qi Hao, you must ensure safety."
Director Cao reiterated.
Qi Hao traveled all the way to cameo in his film, not taking a single penny.
He doesn't want anything happening to Qi Hao.
"Zhao..." Qi Hao glanced at the bridge's height, checked the safety of the wires, lastly patted Deng Zhao's shoulder and said:
"I honestly have nothing with your wife!"